New Orleans offers next test for revived Cowboys

Road to playoffs no Big Easy

JAYNE CUSTRED, Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

Published 6:30 am, Sunday, December 12, 2004

IRVING - Bill Parcells kept things simple last week for his Cowboys.

"I talked to them about the future," he said. "I said, 'Here's the way it's going to go. Here's what we need to do against New Orleans on Sunday. We need to play the best game we have all year this week."

What that means in more specific terms is that rookie running back Julius Jones is going to have to continue his amazing race to fame. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde must eliminate the interceptions, and tight end Jason Witten and wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson must block when they're not catching and catch even when the throw is not perfect.

On the defensive side, there can be no big plays given up. No breakdowns on the pass defense. No stumbling on the rush. The quarterback must feel pressure, and forcing turnovers is a must.

It may seem like a lot to ask, but at this point in the season, Parcells is asking for that and a whole lot more.

"I told the players that I don't have the strategy to overcome some of the things they're doing," he said. "They are some things you just can't overcome. But we've settled down now. We're holding the ball a little more. We've gotten a couple of turnovers on defense."

A look at the remainder of the Cowboys' schedule reinforces that Dallas needs to beat the 4-8 Saints at home today because a victory next week at 11-1 Philadelphia would be some kind of Christmas gift indeed.

"There's always a point in the season where it clicks for you," defensive tackle La'Roi Glover said. "Hopefully this is that point."

While Parcells insists it's not up to any one player to make things happen for the Cowboys, the last three games have shown that one individual can influence the outcome of the game.Today, the Cowboys have to have a fourth game in which Jones can consistently move the ball.

"You hate to say that the hopes of the whole franchise are on one guy because if they are, you're in trouble," Parcells said. "But he certainly has added some juice to us, and I think everyone is aware of it. It's been helpful, and it would be foolish to deny it."

As for Testaverde, Parcells cautions, as always, about judging him too harshly.

"He always struggles with the same thing," Parcells said. "And a lot of it is when he's scrambling. Not good things happen. When he's trying to make impulse throws, that's where his troubles start."

What's important today is keeping the ball out of the hands of Saints receiver Joe Horn, who has had four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. So far this season, he has 76 catches for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.

What's important is keeping Saints defensive tackle Charles Grant from getting to Testaverde and putting an end to the Cowboys' losing streak against New Orleans, which sits at three straight.

At 5-7, what's important is getting a victory.

"They've got firepower," Parcells said of the Saints. "They're a dangerous team. We're going to see what we can do."